Revision as of 11:44, October 10, 2007

Igumen or hegumen is the title for the head of a monastery, similar to abbot. The head of a convent of nuns is called igumenia or ihumenia (Greek: hegumeni). The term means "the one who is in charge," or "the leader" in Greek. An igumen is not necessarily a member of the clergy.

In the Slavic tradition, the title of Igumen also serves as a title for a priest-monk in between Hieromonk and Archimandrite.